t in
my pocket without reading. Is n't that Vickars' hand?"

"Yes; it is his reply, perhaps, to my letter. He is too correct and too
prudent to write to myself, and sends the answer to you."

"As our distinguished guest is not here to be shocked, Julia, let us
hear what Vickars says."

"'My dear Mr. L'Estrange, I have before me a letter from your sister,
expressing a wish that I should consent to the withdrawal of the sum
of two thousand pounds, now vested in consols under my trusteeship, and
employ these moneys in a certain enterprise which she designates as the
coal-mines of Lisconnor. Before acceding to the grave responsibility
which this change of investment would impose upon me, even supposing
that the Master'--who is the Master, George?"

"Go on; read further," said he, curtly.

"'--that the Master would concur with such a procedure, I am desirous of
hearing what you yourself know of the speculation in question. Have you
seen and conversed with the engineers who have made the surveys? Have
you heard from competent and unconcerned parties--?' Oh, George, it 's
so like the way he talks. I can't read on."

L'Estrange took the letter from her and glanced rapidly over the
lines; and then turning to the last page read aloud: "'How will the
recommendation of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners affect you touching
the union of Portshandon with Kilmullock? Do they simply extinguish you,
or have you a claim for compensation?'"

"What does he mean, George?" cried she, as she gazed at the pale face
and agitated expression of her brother as he laid down the letter before
her.

"It is just extinguishment; that's the word for it," muttered he. "When
they unite the parishes, they suppress me."

"Oh, George, don't say that; it has not surely come to this?"

"There 's no help for it," said he, putting away his glass, and leaning
his head on his hand. "I was often told they 'd do something like this;
and when Grimsby was here to examine the books and make notes,--you
remember it was a wet Sunday, and nobody came but the clerk's
mother,--he said, as we left the church, 'The congregation is orderly
and attentive, but not numerous. '"

"I told you, George, I detested that man. I said at the time he was no
friend to _you_."

"If he felt it his duty--"

"Duty, indeed! I never heard of a cruelty yet that had n't the plea of a
duty. I 'm sure Captain Craufurd comes to church, and Mrs. Bayley comes,
and as to the great house,